WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The rise of the shale revolution in the 21st century has mainly been due to advances in technology of horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. This has generated strong dissension, mainly due to the varying views of hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking.’ Daniel Raimi, author of “The Fracking Debate: the Risks, Benefits, and Uncertainties of the Shale Revolution,” provides common questions and concerns people shared with him about shale energy development in his three years of traveling to all major oil and gas regions in the U.S.
Raimi will bring a holistic perspective on shale energy from his travels talking to people and communities affected on Thursday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Sutliff Auditorium in the Lewis Katz Building at Penn State University. This free program is open to the public.
Raimi has interviewed a diverse range of people impacted or involved in this form of energy development, extensively researched key issues, and gained a holistic perspective on unconventional oil and gas exploration. His presentation will address questions including:
- Is shale energy production good for the economy?
- Is shale gas a global trend?
- Will this technology lead the U.S. to energy independence?
- What are the impacts for climate change?
- What are the implications for water supplies and earthquakes?
Combined with his deep understanding and background of research, Raimi highlights stories of the people and communities affected by the shale revolution, with an in-depth look on current research on these questions and more.
“Daniel’s research digs into aspects of shale development which are important to evolving public policy along with impacting citizens at the community level,” said Tom Murphy, Director of Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research. “He provides a fair and unbiased perspective in offering a nuanced but accessible understanding of the shale revolution.”
Raimi’s presentation will be followed by an open question and answer period, refreshments, and a book signing opportunity.
The presentation has been possible by Penn State Law and Center for Energy Law and Policy, Penn State Earth and Environmental Systems Institute and Penn State Marcellus Center for Outreach and Research.
— Penn State Extension, Lycoming County